Ask our expert: What can I do to improve my wireless broadband?

Question

My wireless broadband is really slow. I've reset my router and tried a few other things, but none of them have worked. How can I make my Wi-Fi faster?
Thanks for your help!

Kate, Edgbaston, via email

Our expert Kim says...

Before you do anything else, do a speed test to find out exactly
how much speed you're losing wirelessly. Use our speed tester tool - first
with your computer plugged directly into your router, and then
again with the computer hooked up to Wi-Fi.

If there isn't much difference between the two speeds… well, the
problem is with your broadband connection, not your Wi-Fi. The only
solution is to switch to a faster package, preferably one that
gives you superfast broadband.

But if there is a difference between the two speeds,
then yep, you've got a Wi-Fi problem. Keep reading and we'll guide
you through how to improve it.

1. Move your router

Where you put your router can make a huge difference to the
quality of your Wi-Fi. The nearer your computer is to your router
with a clear view of it, the better your wireless signal will
be.

Try to keep it in the middle of your home so its signal can
reach every room - or at least the ones where you're most likely to
want Wi-Fi. Ideally, it's best to put it somewhere high up, such as
on a shelf, on a table, or mounted on the wall. Don't be tempted to
shut it away in a cupboard - it needs to be out in the open and
away from obstructions.

2. Remove interference

When you're figuring out the best place for your router, don't
forget about all the stuff in your home that can get in the way of
Wi-Fi signals. Other people's wireless routers, cordless phones,
microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth gadgets, and even fish tanks
can interfere with the Wi-Fi and slow it down. There's not a lot
you can do about other people's gadgets, but try to keep your
electrical appliances - and marine life - away from your
router.

3. Update your router's firmware

Not upgraded your router in a while? You might be missing a few
important firmware updates that will improve its performance.

Go to the router manufacturer's website and download updates
from there. You can usually do this just through your web
browser.

Take a look at your router's manual to find out exactly what to
do.

4. Change the wireless channel

Just like walkie-talkies and radios, routers broadcast their
signals on different channels - and some channels are clearer than
others. Your Wi-Fi will be better if it's broadcasting on the
clearest one. Here's how to make that happen:

1. First, find the best channel.

On a Windows PC, run the command prompt (search for 'cmd'), and
type in "netsh wlan show networks bssid". This'll show you the
wireless networks nearby. Make a note of which channel is furthest
away from the ones in use.

On a Mac, click the Apple logo at the top and select About
this Mac - System Report - Network - Wi-Fi. This'll give you a
breakdown of the channels being used nearby. Make a note of which
channels it says is best.

2. Log on to your router, and look for the wireless network
settings. Find the prompt that lets you choose a broadcast channel,
and select the number you made a note of.

3. If there's an 'Auto' option, always pick this - the router
will do the wireless analytics for you and automatically pick the
clearest channel.

4. Wait a few minutes for everything to adjust, and see if your
speeds improve.

5. Get a better router

Got a cheap router? Or maybe you've had it for a really
long time? You might be better off replacing it altogether. Older
routers, even ones that are just a couple of years old, often have
outdated tech - so grabbing a fresh one could seriously improve
your Wi-Fi.

When buying a new router, look out for ones with 'wireless ac',
or 802.11ac wireless. This is the latest Wi-Fi standard, capable of
transfer speeds up to 1Gb and some rather smart tech like
beamforming, if the device you're using supports it too. (And if it
doesn't, you could always plug in a compatible
Wi-Fi adapter.)

Dual-band Wi-Fi is also a very useful feature to have. These
routers broadcast on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, which
each have their own advantages. The 5GHz frequency can transfer
more data, but the 2.4GHz frequency can go through obstacles like
thick walls more easily.

Oh, and make sure it's secure. WPA2 is the latest standard of
Wi-Fi security - we'd pick one with that.

6. Get a Wi-Fi range extender or repeater

Wi-Fi extender or repeater is a li'l gadget that can really help
your Wi-Fi signal go further. Plug it in somewhere that can get
decent signal, and it'll essentially grab the Wi-Fi and
re-broadcast it.

A Wi-Fi extender is perfect in a home where you've just got a
couple of dodgy not-spots. Stick it somewhere halfway between your
router and your not-spot, and it'll be able to pick up on your
router's signal and extend it a bit further. Anywhere you
have a spare plug socket will do - it barely takes up any
space.

7. Contact your provider

Your broadband provider should want to
make sure you're having the best experience possible. So, if you've
tried the previous steps and your Wi-Fi still seems rubbish, give
your provider a call and ask if there's anything they can do to
help. They may be able to offer you advice specific to your
broadband package, do something from their end, offer you a better
router, or even get an engineer to visit you to investigate.

Other ways to speed up your internet

There are all kinds of things that can affect how fast your
internet is - as well as your Wi-Fi, it's worth investigating the
settings on your devices, the wiring in your home, your connection
as a whole, and more. Take a look at our tips on how to make your
broadband faster.

Switching your broadband

Tried everything, and still can't get speedy enough internet?
Your best option may be to switch. If your basic broadband
connection is slower than a snail in an obstacle course, fiddling
with the Wi-Fi can only improve it so much - and may even slow it
down even more. It'd be worth your while to switch to superfast broadband
instead.

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